0.46lb Kentucky Agate Nodules in Matrix, Polished Halves; Estill Co, KY 1706

Description

0.46lb Kentucky Agate Nodules in Matrix, Polished Halves; Estill Co, KY 1706
0.46lb Kentucky Agate Nodules in Matrix, Polished Halves; Estill Co, KY 1706
All specimens were collected, cut, trimmed, pre-shaped and polished solely by us. We are just a couple graduate students in geology that enjoy spending our free time rockhounding around the Bluegrass.  In recent years, we became particularly infatuated with the variety of Agate that is unique to the eastern Knobs region of Kentucky. Polishing Kentucky agate is a time intensive process, sometimes spanning 6 months from the point of collection until the point of being listed. They can be difficult to work with: their brilliant colors are a result of a high density of inclusions within the chalcedony that tend to make the mineral highly variable in hardness and sometimes very brittle. To make matters worse, many agates found in Kentucky exhibit varying degrees of brecciation as a result of eons of tectonic loading and subsequent unloading in combination with diagenetic alteration. But every once while, you can come across a truly magnificent specimen.
Everything is authentic, and of course, one of a kind.  We hope you enjoy our selection.
~Bailee & Clay
The Colors of Kentucky Agate
“The primary cause of coloration in Kentucky agate is changes in the geochemical oxidation state of the various iron mineral inclusions, such as hematite, limonite, and goethite. These changes in oxidation result in agates’ various red, orange, and yellow hues. Other colors such as blue, black and lavender are the result of manganese, calcium, strontium, iron, and organic material. As the chemical concentration of iron changes or increases, the vibrancy of the color will intensify. Mixing and dilution of these minerals result in muted and varied colors in agates.”
-McIntosh, R., Anderson, W., & Thomas, L. (2013).
Kentucky Agate: State Rock and Mineral Treasure of the Commonwealth
. Lexington, Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky.
Common Variations of Kentucky Agate
Banded:
well-defined, smooth, angular to curvilinear bands of color
Flame:
wispy or flame-like extensions with intensely hued colors
Plume:
nebulous, billowy extensions with poorly defined boundaries
Moss:
internal agate texture is irregularly shaped, mottled or branching
Eye:
rounded, banded-type agates that look like eyes when cut
***The angle of which an agate is cut has a major influence on the characteristics exhibited. And of course, many agates exhibit multiple variations. We try to base our interpretations of the types of agate based upon the predominant characteristics. But at the end of the day, an interpretation is just that, an interpretation.***
Dimensions (in):
refer to photos
Weight:
0.46lb (0.208kg)
Structure:
Irvine-Paint Creek Fault System
District:
Kentucky Agate District
County:
Estill
State:
Kentucky
PHOTOGRAPHY
Indoor Lighting & Display:
All specimens are photographed under one (1) 5000k, 5.5 (40w equivalent) "Daylight" LED bulb on a matching matte black background & backdrop. Occasionally, clear acrylic stands are used for display purposes.
Ultraviolet Lighting:
I use a UVP Lamp (model #UVGL-58) that emits both short-wave (254nm) and long-wave (366nm)
Camera:
I use an iPhone X and the standard “Camera” application for photography.
SHIPPING & HANDLING
Handling:
I spend a tremendous amount of money and time preparing these specimens for long distance travel.  Please, if the specimen you ordered should ever arrive damage, let me know immediately.
Every Packaged Insured:
Every package I ship is insured through ShipSaver Insurance. You will receive a confirmation email shortly after shipping has been paid providing the policy & terms.
Combined Shipping:
Just notify me and I'll will be more than happy to make the accommodations.